Rain forecast for Hockenheim

Rain has been forecast to affect this weekend's running of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Severe weather, including heavy downpours, have been predicted to be delivered by a cold front on Thursday and Friday. Rain is also possible on Saturday, with only a low chance of scattered showers forecast for race-day Sunday.

The forecast is not good news for teams hoping for a dry three hours of practice on Friday, particularly given Bridgestone's extreme allocation of the hardest and softest compounds for the race weekend.

Bridgestone's Hirohide Hamashima confirmed that weather at the German venue will be crucial.

"If it is hot then the super-soft will be a challenge to manage for stability and durability. If it is cold then ensuring the hard is in its temperature operating window will be a tough task," said Hamashima.

Following the Rugby Football Union's announcement on Sunday that England Sevens coach Ben Ryan is set to relinquish his role, various past, present and future England internationals have taken to Twitter to praise him